Three Nigerians Denied Entry At OR Tambo Finally Deported Amid Dispute

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed that three Nigerian nationals who were denied entry at OR Tambo International Airport have since departed South Africa.

The travellers were refused entry on Sunday and were expected to return to Lagos the following day after intervention by Nigerian authorities.

Nigerian Traveller Claims ‘Unlawful Detention’ and Mistreatment

One of the travellers, identified as Yemi Firstson, alleged that the group was “unlawfully detained” despite having valid visas and documentation.

“They are saying they will detain us for no reason until God knows when,” Firstson posted during the ordeal.

“We told them we wanted to book another flight back home immediately, but they refused.”

He further claimed that officials confiscated a fellow traveller’s phone and attempted to take his, alleging verbal and physical intimidation.

“The real issue was the harassment and the inhumane treatment,” he said.

“An immigration official held a stapler and threatened to throw it at me. There were harsh words directed at Nigerians in general.”

NIDCOM Raises Concerns Over Visa Application Irregularities

NIDCOM said the refusal of entry may have been linked to inconsistencies in the visa application process.

“Consequently, many applicants are unable to verify the information provided when questioned during immigration interviews, resulting in entry refusal.”

The commission also alleged that Firstson had previously made insulting remarks about the South African government on social media, placing him on a watchlist.

“When confronted at the port of entry, he was unable to substantiate those statements, which further aggravated the situation.”

Traveller Disputes Claims, Accuses Commission of ‘False Narrative’

Firstson rejected the claims made by NIDCOM, insisting that his social media activity was never raised during questioning.

“At no point did any South African immigration official make reference to or ask me anything about my social media,” he said.

“I also want to make it categorically clear that the issue was not about my visa, which invalidates the claim regarding the use of agents.”

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He accused the commission of “false narratives and wrongful profiling”.

NIDCOM has urged Nigerian travellers to apply for visas directly or through licensed agents and ensure all submitted information is accurate.

The justice, crime prevention and security cluster also advised travellers to carefully review their applications and avoid allowing third parties to submit incorrect details.

Authorities further warned that immigration officials may review travellers’ social media activity, and derogatory or inflammatory remarks about a host country could lead to increased scrutiny or entry refusal.